Understanding How Minerals Contribute to Optimal Immune Function

Identification and validation of cuproptosis-related genes in acetaminophen-induced liver injury using bioinformatics analysis and machine learning

Background

Acetaminophen (APAP) is commonly used as an antipyretic analgesic. However, acetaminophen overdose may contribute to liver injury and even liver failure. Acetaminophen-induced liver injury (AILI) is closely related to mitochondrial oxidative stress and dysfunction, which play critical roles in cuproptosis. Here, we explored the potential role of cuproptosis-related genes (CRGs) in AILI.

Methods

The gene expression profiles were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. The differential expression of CRGs was determined between the AILI and control samples. Protein protein interaction, correlation, and functional enrichment analyses were performed. Machine learning was used to identify hub genes. Immune infiltration was evaluated. The AILI mouse model was established by intraperitoneal injection of APAP solution. Quantitative real-time PCR and western blotting were used to validate hub gene expression in the AILI mouse model. The copper content in the mouse liver samples and AML12 cells were quantified using a colorimetric assay kit. Ammonium tetrathiomolybdate (ATTM), was administered to mouse models and AML12 cells in order to investigate the effects of copper chelator on AILI.

Results

The analysis identified 7,809 differentially expressed genes, 4,245 of which were downregulated and 3,564 of which were upregulated. Four optimal feature genes (OFGs; SDHB, PDHA1, NDUFB2, and NDUFB6) were identified through the intersection of two machine learning algorithms. Further nomogram, decision curve, and calibration curve analyses confirmed the diagnostic predictive efficacy of the four OFGs. Enrichment analysis indicated that the OFGs were involved in multiple pathways, such as IL-17 pathway and chemokine signaling pathway, that are related to AILI progression. Immune infiltration analysis revealed that macrophages were more abundant in AILI than in control samples, whereas eosinophils and endothelial cells were less abundant. Subsequently, the AILI mouse model was successfully established, and histopathological analysis using hematoxylin-eosin staining along with liver function tests revealed a significant induction of liver injury in the APAP group. Consistent with expectations, both mRNA and protein levels of the four OFGs exhibited a substantial decrease. The administration of ATTAM effectively mitigates copper elevation induced by APAP in both mouse model and AML12 cells. However, systemic administration of ATTM did not significantly alleviate AILI in the mouse model.

Conclusion

This study first revealed the potential role of CRGs in the pathological process of AILI and offered novel insights into its underlying pathogenesis.

Association between magnesium depletion score and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease risk: a secondary data analysis from NHANES

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

The association between magnesium depletion score (MDS) and the risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has not been examined to date. Meanwhile, the potential impact of dietary magnesium intake on this association remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the influence of dietary magnesium intake on the association between MDS and COPD incidence.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey database, we analysed the relationship between MDS and COPD, while also exploring the role of dietary magnesium.

RESULTS

A total of 39 852 participants, including 1762 patients with COPD and 38 090 patients with non-COPD, were included in the analysis. After adjusting for confounding factors, our results demonstrated a significant association between higher MDS and increased COPD incidence (OR=1.48, 95% CI: 1.10 to 1.99). Furthermore, it was observed that dietary magnesium intake did not significantly impact this association.

CONCLUSION

This study highlights a significant positive correlation between MDS and the incidence of COPD. Nonetheless, no significant alteration in this association was observed with dietary magnesium intake.

Multidisciplinary Perspectives of Challenges in Infective Endocarditis Complicated by Septic Embolic-Induced Acute Myocardial Infarction

BACKGROUND

Infective endocarditis (IE) management is challenging, usually requiring multidisciplinary collaboration from cardiologists, infectious disease specialists, interventional cardiologists, and cardiovascular surgeons, as more than half of the cases will require surgical procedures. Therefore, it is essential for all healthcare providers involved in managing IE to understand the disease's characteristics, potential complications, and treatment options. While systemic embolization is one of the most frequent complications of IE, the coronary localization of emboli causing acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is less common, with an incidence ranging from 1% to 10% of cases, but it has a much higher rate of morbidity and mortality. There are no guidelines for this type of AMI management in IE.

METHODS

This narrative review summarizes the current knowledge regarding septic coronary embolization in patients with IE. Additionally, this paper highlights the diagnosis and management challenges in such cases, particularly due to the lack of protocols or consensus in the field.

RESULTS

Data extracted from case reports indicate that septic coronary embolization often occurs within the first two weeks of the disease. The aortic valve is most commonly involved with vegetation, and the occluded vessel is frequently the left anterior descending artery. Broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy followed by targeted antibiotic therapy for infection control is essential, and surgical treatment offers promising results through surgical embolectomy, concomitant with valve replacement or aspiration thrombectomy, with or without subsequent stent insertion. Thrombolytics are to be avoided due to the increased risk of bleeding.

CONCLUSIONS

All these aspects should constitute future lines of research, allowing the integration of all current knowledge from multidisciplinary team studies on larger patient cohorts and, subsequently, creating a consensus for assessing the risk and guiding the management of this potentially fatal complication.

The Association Between Dietary Magnesium Intake and Pulmonary Function: Recent Fndings from NHANES 2007-2012

This article aims to study the correlation between dietary magnesium intake and pulmonary function, utilizing data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database. This cross-sectional study examined representative samples of adults from the USA (n = 818; NHANES 2007-2012) to explore the correlation between magnesium intake and pulmonary function. We obtained the average magnesium intake over 2 days, as well as measured pulmonary function parameters, including forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), FEV1/FVC, peak expiratory flow rate (PEF), and forced expiratory flow between 25 and 75% of FVC (FEF25-75%). Weighted multivariable linear regression was used to investigate the relationship between magnesium intake and pulmonary function. Additionally, subgroup analyses, interaction tests, and sensitivity analyses were conducted. Weighted multiple linear regression models revealed a significant positive correlation between magnesium and pulmonary function, even after adjusting for all included confounding variables. When we categorized magnesium intake into tertiles, we found that participants in the highest tertile of magnesium intake had significantly higher values for FVC (β: 898.54, 95%CI: 211.82-1585.25), FEV1 (β: 858.16, 95%CI: 212.41-1503.91), FEV1/FVC (β: 0.024, 95%CI: 0.004-0.044), PEF (β: 1324.52, 95%CI: 481.71-2167.33), and FEF25-75% (β: 831.39, 95%CI: 84.93-1577.84). Upon stratifying the data by age and sex, it was observed that this positive correlation was particularly pronounced among men aged 40-79. At the same time, the stability of the results was further confirmed by sensitivity analyses. This study suggested that dietary magnesium intake may improve pulmonary function.